Women in Leadership REPRESENT at first Women’s Ambassador Forum

At a time of great political change right across the
globe, it is more important than ever that we see increased participation of
women at the frontline of political, community, business and civic life - that
was the message today as 120 guests gathered in Parliament Buildings to hear
from some of the most high profile women leaders at REPRESENT, the first Women’s
Ambassador Forum organised by Politics Plus for the EU PEACE IV funded The Next
Chapter programme.

The forum heard from inspiring women in leadership
roles across the community, business and political sphere, including
businesswomen and transparency campaigner, Gina Miller, lawyer and Political
& Women’s Rights Activist, Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, and Alison Cowzer, founder
of East Coast Bakehouse. Also participating were Angela McGowan, NI Director of
CBI, and Judith Gillespie CBE, Former PSNI Deputy Chief Constable.

REPRESENT is the latest Ambassador Forum to
be organised by Politics Plus, and is part of The Next Chapter’s civic
empowerment programme for women across Northern Ireland and the border
counties. The Next Chapter aims to help women to take the next step into public
and civic life though training programmes, networking events and mentoring. It
is funded through the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme, managed by the
Special EU Programmes Body.

The Next Chapter was launched in March, and
had over 1000 registrations of interest. Ten Chapter hubs have been launched,
and following the REPRESENT Women’s Ambassador’s Forum, they will embark on a
training programme to develop ideas, build communities and support the
transition out of conflict.

Speaking at the event, Joanne Jennings, Head
of Programmes at Politics Plus, said: "This year marks 100 years since the
extension of the voting franchise to women. While there has been progress in
the role that women play in public life, we are still underrepresented in
public and political life. The aim of The Next Chapter is to give women the
tools they need to become more involved in civic life.

"We are delighted to welcome this unrivalled
programme of speakers for REPRESENT, the first Women’s Ambassador Forum. These
women represent all walks of life, and have accomplished so much in improving
local communities, empowering others, challenging stereotypes and orthodoxies,
and stepping forward to show leadership. With speakers from across Northern
Ireland, Ireland and the UK, this was an exceptional opportunity to hear some
of the most inspiring speakers and activists on these islands.”

Highlighting the significance of the project Gina McIntyre, CEO of the
Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), said: "The region suffers from a real
gender imbalance and under-representation of women who are engaged in
community, public and political life. This project will establish a network of
cross-border ‘chapter hubs’ to facilitate the sharing and development of ideas
that will enable women to take a more active role in civic life.

"It offers participants an opportunity to learn more about peace and reconciliation
and equips them with the leadership and communications skills needed to make a
real difference within their local community. This will lead to the creation of
a more level playing field in which the voices of women can be more clearly
heard so that they can effect positive change in a society still emerging from
conflict.”